“Dolphins no more belong in the desert than gorillas belong in the middle of the ocean.”

~ Ric O’Barry

Ric O’Barry lent his support to the Free Mojave Dolphins campaign in Las Vegas. On October 2, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. PST there was a special screening of the Academy Award winning documentary, The Cove, followed by a Q&A and meet and greet with Ric. Over 180 eager people from all over the world gathered at the Public Library.

The following day over 150 activists from near and far picketed outside the Mirage Hotel and Casino.

Free the Mojave Dolphins is a grass roots public awareness campaign that started in January 2013, with the goal of educating about the dangers of keeping cetaceans in captivity.

Since 1990, The Mirage Hotel, Las Vegas has been in the business of keeping dolphins for display and breeding purposes. Currently 10 dolphins remain in captivity.

Las Vegas with all its glitz and glam and larger-than-life energy is the ultimate “on demand” playground. Dolphins are merely another cog in the fun machine. Imagine the power millions of tourists who visit Las Vegas each year hold in their hands by not supporting a dolphin show and instead, spending their time and money enjoying cruelty-free entertainment.

So what’s the solution for the dolphins in the desert? Provide a retirement facility where dolphins can live out the rest of their lives in peace and dignity. Imagine The Mirage Hotel spearheading an initiative to build the world’s first dolphin sanctuary. Dolphins from the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Clearwater Marine Aquarium and others could thrive in sunlight, fresh air and the natural rhythms of the sea.